Patna: Police in Bihar have stepped up surveillance and security checks after an intelligence alert suggested that 11 suspected infiltrators may have entered the state through routes along the India–Nepal border.
The warning, reportedly based on inputs from the Intelligence Bureau, has prompted the state police headquarters to initiate a coordinated response. The Special Branch has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) to all district magistrates, senior superintendents of police and railway police officials, calling for immediate verification and monitoring measures.
Surveillance tightened across districts
Authorities have been instructed to review CCTV footage from toll plazas located on national highways and to strengthen checks on passengers travelling by train. Surveillance systems at railway stations, platforms, retiring rooms and canteens are also to be examined as part of the heightened alert.
The SOP further directs district police to collect information on foreign nationals currently staying in their jurisdictions. Hotels, lodges, hostels and other accommodation facilities are to be inspected, and tenant verification drives intensified.
Focus on border and high-footfall areas
Officials have emphasised the need for constant vigilance along the India–Nepal border, which remains open and porous, making monitoring particularly challenging. The alert comes amid strained ties following recent developments linked to cross-border trade enforcement issues.
Police headquarters has also asked authorities to increase security at sensitive and high-footfall locations, including religious and historical sites, bus stands, taxi and auto stands, hospitals, airports and public parks. CCTV systems at these locations are to be checked and kept fully operational.
Senior officers looped in
In view of the seriousness of the alert, communication has been sent not only to district-level officials but also to senior officers, including those in the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), as well as inspector generals and deputy inspector generals across regions, urging them to strengthen preparedness.
Border forces maintain watch
Meanwhile, a senior official of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Patna said there was no specific information about such a communication but confirmed that security agencies were closely monitoring the situation along the Nepal border.
The official added that precautionary measures were already in place and surveillance had been intensified in border areas to track any suspicious movement.
